Samba

As a ballroom dance, the samba is a partner dance. Ballroom samba, like other ballroom dances, is very disconnected from the origins and evolution of the music and dance that gives it its name. It is a form created for its suitability as a partner dance. The dance movements, which do not change depending on the style of samba music being played, borrows some movements from Afro-Brazilian traditional dances such those used in candomblé rituals and the chamadas of capoeira angola.

The ballroom Samba is danced to music in 2/4 or 4/4 time. The basic movements are counted either 1-2 or 1-a-2, and are danced with a slight downward bouncing or dropping action. This action is created through the bending and straightening of the knees.

Samba Classes

Samba Foundations, Part 1

This class will focus primarily on learning the rhythm of samba, its basic patterns, & turns.

• Forward & back basic
• Side basic
• Box step
• Under arm turns
• Push turns
• Chasse
• Copas
• Botofogo

Samba Foundations, Part 2

This class will teach you more basic patterns and proper body movement.

• Botofogo (variations)
• Voltas
• Copa side break
• Reverse copa
• Reverse Chasse
• Box with inside turn